CERTIFIED NON-PROFIT ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL
(C.N.A.P)
What is the Certified Nonprofit Accounting
Professional (C.N.A.P.) program?
Sponsored by member firms of the National
Association of Nonprofit Accountants & Consultants, the C.N.A.P. program is a comprehensive
qualification, training, and examination designed to recognize
excellence in the not-for-profit industry.
Who is eligible to earn the C.N.A.P. designation?
The program is beneficial for bookkeepers, staff
accountants, and any professional charged with the financial
management of a not-for-profit organization. These individuals are
the key personnel in any industry that will gain basic and
intermediate accounting and reporting skills by achieving the
C.N.A.P.
designation.
Who is NPAC?
The NPCA is a nationwide network of CPA firms
specifically selected for their experience in, and commitment to
servicing the not-for-profit industry. NPAC members combine their
expertise to provide the highest quality services to improve the
performance of not-for-profit organization. Through NPAC's
educational program and continuous exchange of ideas and
information, NPAC members stay on the forefront of the not-for-profit
industry. For more information, please visit the their website at
www.nonprofitcpas.com.
I already completed a C.N.A.P. "registration
form". Is there a separate application form to complete?
No. Completing a registration form is
sufficient.
Do I have to be a CPA in order to qualify?
It is not required that you are a CPA, but you must
have at least 24 months in the financial position of a non-profit
organization.
What are the benefits of attaining the C.N.A.P.
designation?
-
Improved skills and knowledge obtained via the
specialized training.
-
Enhance credibility within the industry as a
professional committed to excellence in nonprofit financial
management.
-
Increased professional knowledge and capability.
-
National recognition in our industry.
-
Increased value to your not-for-profit
organization.
What are the requirements for certification?
1. Pay the $95 registration fee.
2. Complete an application
and submit
3. Complete the required training courses
(Phase I and II) within 36 months. The training courses are open to
non-C.N.A.P. candidates, and there are no prerequisites to attend the
Phase I training session.
4. Pass the exam at the end of each training
course.
How much does it cost to be come certified?
The cost of this certification is $935 and breaks
down as follows:
$95 C.N.A.P. Application Registration Fee
$415 Phase I Training Session Tuition Fee
$425 Phase II Training Session Tuition Fee
This fee is paid directly to BWK Rogers PC.
What type of training is offered in the C.N.A.P.
program?
Practical, relevant, and timely training is offered
in two separate courses taught by experienced and knowledgeable CPAs
who concentrate their financial and consulting service in the
nonprofit industry. Whether used as a "refresher" course or as
means to gain industry-specific knowledge, the specialized hands-on
curriculum -- including ideas to improve the profitability of your
organization --will yield immediate benefits. The curriculum also
includes basic and intermediate nonprofit accounting, as well as
in-depth training on more advanced issues such as internal controls
and budgeting for non-for-profit organizations. The training
courses are also open to non-C.N.A.P. candidates.
How do I register for a Phase I or Phase II
training session?
There is a separate form (and fee) to register for
each training session:
-
Phase I attendees must obtain and complete a
registration form from BWK Rogers PC and pay the $415
tuition fee.
-
Phase II attendees must obtain and complete a
registration from BWK Rogers PC and pay the $430 tuition
fee.
Click here for the
current registration information.
Must I complete the Phase I training session and
pass the test before attending the Phase II training session?
If you are planning on earning the C.N.A.P. designation,
then, YES! The curriculum for the Phase II training session is more
advanced and builds upon the material covered during the Phase I
session. For those just interested in obtaining additional
information, you are not required.
Who conducts the training?
The Phase I training session follow a standardized
curriculum, developed by an expert in not-for-profit industry
financial management, including all items in the Phase I training
manual. The Phase II training session also utilizes a standardized
curriculum developed by four member-experts. The actual training
for Phase I and II is conducted by representatives from the
sponsoring local-area CAP firm or by an outside source.
The instructor for the upcoming sessions is Barry
Rogers.
"As the instructor, I would
like to tell you a little about my background. I am a CPA and the
Managing Partner of BWK Rogers PC. I have over 30 years of
experience in providing auditing, accounting and consulting services
to not-for-profit organizations. My career includes working at
Arthur Young & Company (currently Ernst and Young) before forming my
own accounting firm, which is dedicated to serving the
not-for-profit industry. I have spent over 20 years teaching
non-profit accounting and auditing at Metropolitan State University
and regularly participate at seminars sponsored by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Minnesota Society
of CPAs. In addition, I am one of the co-authors of the NPAC
nationally certified accounting professional course."
--Barry Rogers, CPA & Managing
Partner of BWK Rogers PC
What about the tests at the end of each phase of
the training?
A requirement for certification is that candidates
pass a test given at the end of the Phase I and Phase II training
sessions. The test is "open book", and candidates are required to
bring and use calculators. The exam is the same for all candidates
regardless of where they complete the training, with input from NPAC-member
CPAs experienced in not-for-profit industry financial management.
The passing grade for each test is 75%.
What if I fail the exam?
Any candidate who fails an exam will be allowed one
opportunity to re-take it at a mutually convenient time and
location. If a candidate fails the exam for a second time, he or
she must attend the applicable Phase I or Phase II training session
again before trying again.
How long do I have to complete all of the
requirements for certification?
Candidates must meet the requirements (listed above)
within 36 months of taking the Phase I Course. Some may be able to
meet all of the requirements in as little as three or four months
(depending on the training schedule).
When should I submit the complete application
form?
You need to submit the completed application form
prior to attending Phase I.
How long do I have until I will have to be
re-certified?
In order to maintain the Certified Nonprofit
Accounting Professional designation, each ZA must fulfill
re-certification requirements that are established by the
certification committee.
What if I have additional questions?
Please visit the NPAC website
www.nonprofitcpas.com
or contact:
Wylie
Klawitter
BWK Rogers PC
612-332-5446 x15
cnap@bwkrogers.com
